Belle Mattson is a 19-year-old dancer and photographer from southeast Michigan. She began dancing at the age of 2 and her love for the art form only grew when she began training under the guidance of Deena Bryan at illuminaTe Dance and Arts Center. Belle currently attends Point Park University, where she is on track to earn a BFA in Dance. In 2021,

Mike DeMenno came across a magazine article in 1993 featuring Mickey Hart and Arthur Hull where the mission was to use drumming for community building and personal well-being. Within a year, Mike began facilitating drum circles for kids at risk throughout Los Angeles. In 2003, Mike became the manager of the first recreational music center.

Valerie Montgomery, BSW, MA, NCC, LPC is the owner of Beyond Beautiful PLLC for over 15 years providing individual and group counseling focusing on women including Holistic Guideship, Developmental Healing as well as a Neurotypical Partner Advocate in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She is also an educator, poet, and consultant.

Valerie Montgomery, BSW, MA, NCC, LPC is the owner of Beyond Beautiful PLLC for over 15 years providing individual and group counseling focusing on women including Holistic Guideship, Developmental Healing as well as a Neurotypical Partner Advocate in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She is also an educator, poet, and consultant.

Jaicee Partridge is a native to Detroit, has trained intensely in various styles of dance, drama, and music throughout their life. Their love of the arts showed as a toddler and expanded when they began acting, classical instrument, and vocal training in elementary school and only grew when they joined Anita’s Theatre of Dance and Performing Arts in Sterling Heights, Michigan. There they participated in many stage productions, acting/film work classes, and studied various styles of dance under the guidance of owners Anita Giza and Anita Schmidt.

Serena Nangia (she/her) is a Body Activist, a long-time advocate for eating disorder recovery, and Marketing & Communications Manager for an eating disorder nonprofit called Project HEAL. Serena has spent close to a decade building expertise on the way body image, media, and eating disorders affect people’s daily lives, as well as how Fatphobia and weight stigma create issues of access and discrimination systemically and interpersonally.

GG Townson is a Los Angeles native actress whereas entertainment is the family business. Her grandfather, Ronald Townson, was a founding member of the iconic 1960's vocal group The 5th Dimension.  Currently, GG can be seen starring as the iconic hip hop artist, “Salt” in the highly anticipated Lifetime biopic, Salt-N-Pepa! She also has the recurring role of Lil Jewel in CW’s hit show series All American.  Adding to her long list of credits, GG stars in the upcoming comedy feature film, Welcome Matt.

Serena Nangia (she/her) is a Body Activist, a long-time advocate for eating disorder recovery, and Marketing & Communications Manager for an eating disorder nonprofit called Project HEAL. Serena has spent close to a decade building expertise on the way body image, media, and eating disorders affect people’s daily lives, as well as how Fatphobia and weight stigma create issues of access and discrimination systemically and interpersonally.

Bailey Spinn is a TikTok Star & Content Creator, Comedian, Singer, and Suicide Prevention and Eating Disorder Advocate. She is known for her viral comedic skits and POV videos, quickly becoming one of the top creators with over 13 million followers as well as 2 million YouTube subscribers.

Mikaela Zarsky first began dancing at the age of 3 and has trained in styles including ballet, pointe, contemporary, jazz, modern, lyrical, musical theatre, ballroom, hip hop, acrobatics, character, and tap. This 17-year-old artist currently attends the Alberta Ballet School Professional Division and is a company member of YYC Dance Project in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Taylor Floyd is an amazing dancer and creator. She just graduated with her Associates Degree in addition to being on the honor roll and awarded Valedictorian! Taylor began dancing at the age of 2 and has performed in various productions and numerous dance competitions.  We were honored to have her perform for Breaking The Chains Foundation in our very own Alex Little’s live dance piece “7 Chairs”.  Her ability to speak volumes through dance and movement doesn’t stop there as her main focus of study is American Sign Language with a passion to work in this field to help those communicate in the best possible way.

Kennedy Jean Garcia was born in Tennessee and diagnosed with Down Syndrome hours after she her birth and at 3 years old battled Acute Myelogenous Leukemia. Over 30 surgeries later which included spinal fusion surgery, this young teen is shattering the glass ceiling and proving to the world that people with disabilities can do anything! Starting out as a model, Kennedy was discovered by American Girl becoming the first model with Down syndrome to work for the iconic brand. That led to a campaign with Kenzie Ziegler for Justice as well as campaigns for Claire's, Disney, and many more! Listed as one of the top 10 actors with Down Syndrome, Kennedy shines brightest when she is on the dance floor whether competing or just dancing for the sheer joy it gives her. A sought-after public speaker, she talks candidly about her journey as well as teaching people how to be friends with someone with a disability.

Mary Basmadjian is an Armenian-American standup comedian, actor, writer, and producer. She has been a fixture of the Los Angeles comedy circuit for 10 years and recently rose to fame with her hilariously accurate reflection of the Armenian diaspora subculture. Her nuanced approach articulates the immigrant experience in a way that transcends cultural barriers. Mary lives, works, and produces from Los Angeles, California and is available to travel for events. She performs locally in some amazing venues such as Flappers Comedy Club in Burbank and many others.

J.J. Shegog writes books about social emotional learning, inclusiveness, and good mental health practices for children. She is a Chicago, IL native; and before she started writing, J.J. Shegog got a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in Spanish. Following that, because of her love for children, she went to graduate school where she obtained her graduate degree in elementary education. She is now the owner of Jair’s Collections and writes extensively. And a mommy too!

Alexis Joy is an entertainment news host, red carpet interviewer, writer, blogger, and creator/owner of Alexis Joy VIP Access. You can always find entertainment news host Alexis Joy with a smile on her face sharing her passion with her audience, who she loves to call her VIPs!  Born in New York and now based in Los Angeles, Alexis Joy started her career at a young age and has since covered prestigious events including the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, the Critics’ Choice Real TV Awards, the Latin American Music Awards, and many others.

Taylor Blackwell was born in West Palm Beach, Florida and presently lives in Los Angeles. She is an actor, artist, musician, singer, writer, and creator of The Infinite Possibilities Oracle Deck. Taylor began acting at age five. She stars in several Lifetime Movie Network films. A few of other her TV and film credits include a series regular on the Starz original series “Magic City”, “Designated Survivor”, “NCIS”, “Grey’s Anatomy”, the feature film “Dolphin Tales 2”, among many others. 

Julia Katharina was born and raised in Austria, Europe and started her dancing career at the age of five. Being trained in a variety of dance styles including contemporary dance, ballet, jazz, commercial/heels and hip hop/street styles has provided her with many opportunities to compete and perform in Austria, Europe as well as in the United States. She is a multi-award winning dancer. At the age of 18, she started her work a s a teacher, choreographer, and creative director. Throughout her years a s a professional dancer, she discovered her passion for the Circus Arts. Julia has been working as a Dancer, Aerialist and Contortionist for many years and traveled the world performing. 

Imani McGee Stafford is a professional basketball player who plays at the Center position for the Dallas Wings in the WNBA. She grew up in Los Angeles whereas basketball played a prominent role within her family roots.  During Imani’s first year in college, she was named Big 12 Freshman of the Year and continued to create an outstanding college and professional career.  She has been AP All-American, All Big 12 first Team, and 10th overall pick in the 2016 WBA draft, among many other amazing accomplishments.  Imani has been pro since 2016 and currently taking a hiatus for law school!

Nathalie Rodriguez is an 18-year-old very busy up and coming Los Angeles based photographer.   Her photography has shown her great value and patience for creating.  While both working as a photographer and attending college, it has also taught her responsibility, and the need for balance and motivation. Nathalie is a featured photographer for Orenda Media Magazine! 

Imani McGee Stafford is a professional basketball player who plays at the Center position for the Dallas Wings in the WNBA. She grew up in Los Angeles whereas basketball played a prominent role within her family roots.  During Imani’s first year in college, she was named Big 12 Freshman of the Year and continued to create an outstanding college and professional career.  She has been AP All-American, All Big 12 first Team, and 10th overall pick in the 2016 WBA draft, among many other amazing accomplishments.  Imani has been pro since 2016 and currently taking a hiatus for law school!

Arielle Bodenhausen is a professional dancer, actress, dance teacher, and Pilates instructor. Her continual work, talent, and support for BTCF has been shared on many levels. This past year, we welcomed her as our artist ambassador. Visit Beyond Existence

Trinity Rose is a professional singer, songwriter, musician, and storyteller.  At the age of 13, she was the youngest contestant to ever appear on NBC’s “The Voice” and went on to be one of eight high school teens in the country to be chose not once, but twice for Grammy Camp!  Her very soulful and rich vocals in addition to her beautiful guitar playing produce a variety of creative musical textures, dynamics, and genres.

Aria Brooks is an actress, singer, dancer, filmmaker, writer, producer, editor, director, and overall creator! Presently, you can catch her as a series regular on the Nickelodeon TV show, “All That”, starring in the awarding-winning feature film, “Harriet”, and make sure to check out her YouTube channel, It’s Aria Brooks.

This is one young powerhouse, a role model, and wise beyond her years! To meet Aria in person is a wonderful thing, to chat with her is jaw-dropping, and to watch her create and perform is an extension of her intelligence, creativity, passion, beauty, and kindness. She is who she appears to be – truly authentic and a complete joy to be around. Aria Brooks is making waves in both film and television as well as her own work. Click here for Aria’s interview.

Amy Kathleen Lee is a former pre-professional classical ballet dancer, eating disorder and suicide survivor. She started her own nonprofit called Dancing with ED Inc. in 2013 to address eating disorders in dance. Amy also works as a mental health trainer, speaker, using personal story and human connection as an avenue to healing.  She is a Q.P.R. Suicide Prevention Trainer through the QPR Institute, a National Council of Behavioral Health YMHFA Instructor, and a Member of the Suicide Prevention Council of San Luis Obispo County.

Priscilla O. Agyeman, MPH is the CEO & founder of Saddie Baddies, a virtual safe space for women of color to destigmatize mental health and initiate collective healing.

Jenna Rose Simon is a professional artist and author, eating disorder advocate, & teacher. When one of her drawings went viral, she found herself quickly being featured on numerous media outlets and programs including ABC news and Good Morning America.  Before she knew it, her work had created deep thought-provoking world impact.

Chef Gason is a two-time James Beard scholar and private chef in New Orleans. He’s competed on Food Network’s ‘Chopped’, been featured in Readers Digest, Sports Illustrated, New Orleans’ morning shows and magazines.

Brianna Mckee is a professional dancer, tattoo connoisseur and collector, LMT, 200 RYT Yoga Instructor, and Reiki 1 & 2 certified practitioner.  Presently, you can catch her in the provocative Cirque du Soleil featured show, “Zumanity” in Las Vegas.

“By acknowledging the power of others’ presence, we begin seeing and listening to one another and we, individually are more and more willing to be seen and heard.”

BTCF sat down and chatted with International Dance Master Teacher/Choreographer and Breaking The Chains Foundation Board Member, Alex Little to discuss everything “7 Chairs, her creative process, and what inspires her! Click here for Alex’s feature interview.

Established in March 2017 by Mike Collins and Laura Schuler, ShockBoxx continues to host several emerging artist group shows and solo shows each month and has become a destination for those seeking a night of culture in the South Bay. Showcasing themes that are rarely found elsewhere. ShockBoxx features artists in popup style shows which always leaves patrons wishing for more.